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Applying microwave vacuum pyrolysis to design moisture retention and pH neutralizing palm kernel shell biochar for
Wan Adibah Wan Mahari1, Wai Lun Nam2, Christian Sonne3
1Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Biomass Value-added Products, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Pyrolysis Technology Research Group, Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (Akuatrop), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Microwave vacuum pyrolysis of palm kernel shell was examined to produce engineered biochar for application as additive in agriculture application. The pyrolysis approach, performed at 750 W of microwave power, produced higher yield of porous biochar (28 wt%) with high surface area (270 cm2/g) compared to the yield obtained by conventional approach (<23 wt%). Addition of the porous biochar in mushroom substrate showed increased moisture content (99%) compared to the substrate without biochar (96%). The mushroom substrate added with biochar (150 g) was optimal in shortening formation, growth, and full colonization of the mycelium within one month. Using 2.5% of the biochar in mushroom substrate desirably maintained the optimum pH level (6.8-7) during the mycelium colonization period, leading to high mycelium growth (up to 91%) and mushroom yield (up to 280 g). The engineered biochar shows great potential as moisture retention and neutralizing agent in mushroom cultivation.
